Sober curious is a pretty new phrase in the addiction realm with it coming to light and being more widespread in 2018. This movement has allowed individuals to change the way they think about drinking, with the realization that saying no isn’t as terrifying or uncool as it used to be. 

Living a sober curious lifestyle doesn’t mean living a sober lifestyle, but instead, allowing yourself to live without alcohol if you prefer, but also dabble in it more mindfully if you decide. Making sure that you are in control of consumption and having the right mindset makes sober curiosity more tangible. 

As humans, we evolve and grow, and that is exactly what the sober curious movement is about: allowing yourself to grow and create a healthy lifestyle. This is not some fad diet or drinking craze; sober curiosity is here to stay, so let's get into what it is and its benefits. 

What is sober curious?

Sober curious is a term used to describe oneself or another; interested in exploring a lifestyle free from alcohol or for anyone concerned with their alcohol consumption. It is the idea of cutting back or figuring out what your life may be like alcohol-free, without the rigid commitment to become completely sober. 

A lifestyle where sobriety is not the focus but instead, mindful drinking and creating new experiences outside of drinking. One can choose to limit or cut out alcohol altogether, but that decision does not have to be set and allows one to be more intentional with their drinking and the benefits of cutting back. 

Living a sober curious lifestyle 

The rise of sobriety goes hand in hand with society’s shift in health focus. Sober curious individuals may participate in more activities like yoga, hiking, walking, or just going to the gym as a way of socializing outside of drinking and going to a bar.

Living a sober curious lifestyle does not have to be boring. For one, you do not have to be completely sober, and if you want to indulge in a drink you can, but there are also many fun mocktails you can make when you decide not to have alcohol. 

Get some inspiration for mocktails —> HERE

Potential health benefits 

There are a plethora of health benefits when it comes to living sober curious. To start, there is improved physical health; reducing or eliminating alcohol from your everyday life can lead to improved sleep, lower blood pressure, and a stronger immune system. 

It can also improve your mental health. When you are drinking regularly, alcohol is shown to increase depression and anxiety. When you begin to incorporate living sober curious, you may see an increase in mood, as well as a reduction of anxiety and depression.

Incorporating a sober curious lifestyle can also help you be more productive in your everyday life. Alcohol can impair cognitive function and reduce productivity, but by choosing to live sober curious, productivity can increase, along with better memory, improved concentration, and greater motivation. 

How to get started with the sober curious movement

The sober curious movement is about exploring a life without needing alcohol and becoming more mindful of the relationship you have with alcohol. Here are some tips that may help you get started with your sober curious journey.

Create a Plan 

Creating a plan will help with the long term results. You can always start with something small like not drinking for a week or only having one drink a day. You can move that up to a month, and even into years to learn how to be in control of your urges. Having a clear goal can help you focus and stay motivated. 

Support system 

Join a sober curious group or connect with others that are trying to have a life that is not revolving around alcohol. There are many groups you can find online for free; you can even use the app MeetUp to search for in-person community events.

You may also benefit most from investing the money you would usually spend on drinking on a course and online community, like The Magnify Method option. Talking with people who are going through the same journey can give you some insight into what to expect and provide encouragement and accountability. 

Moderate 

Starting small and not jumping into it full force should help your long term goal, creating habits that are obtainable can help motivate you. Learn to moderate your drinking and drink mindfully, drink when you are in the right mindset, and not out of pressure or emotion. 

Educate

Read different books, blogs, and articles about the sober curious movement. This will help you stay motivated, teach you the different benefits, and give you different coping mechanisms you can use when cravings or triggers occur. 

Final Thoughts 

Overall, sober curiosity is about creating a culture that is more mindful and intentional about alcohol consumption, rather than blindly following the social norm of drinking as just “what we do”.